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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.01

S81.01

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of knee

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/26/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.01 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S81.01 refers to a laceration of the knee that does not involve any foreign body. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including falls, sports injuries, or accidents. The knee is a complex joint composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, making it susceptible to various injuries. A laceration can affect the skin and underlying tissues, potentially involving muscles or ligaments. While the laceration itself may not involve a foreign body, it can be associated with other knee injuries such as tibial or fibular fractures, ligament tears, or meniscal injuries. Proper assessment and documentation are crucial, as the presence of additional injuries can influence treatment plans and coding. Treatment may involve wound care, suturing, and possibly orthopedic interventions if associated injuries are present. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between lacerations and other knee injuries.
  • Identifying associated injuries such as fractures or ligament tears.
  • Documenting the extent and depth of the laceration.
  • Understanding the implications of treatment options.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Failure to document associated injuries.
  • Incorrect coding of the laceration depth.
  • Lack of clarity on treatment provided.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the injury mechanism, associated injuries, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with knee lacerations from sports injuries or falls.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any surgical interventions or follow-up care.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment notes, including vital signs and initial treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute knee injuries presenting to the ER.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.01 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries, ensuring to document the specific site and nature of the laceration
  • Include any associated injuries in the coding process

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.01 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of laceration, face, ears, eyelids, scalp; excised area 2.5 cm or less

Clinical Scenario

Used when a simple repair is performed on a knee laceration.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the laceration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure accurate coding based on the complexity of the repair.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the accuracy of medical records and reimbursement processes. S81.01 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, enhancing clinical documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the accuracy of medical records and reimbursement processes. S81.01 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, enhancing clinical documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S81.01 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, enhancing clinical documentation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between S81.01 and S81.02?

S81.01 is used for lacerations without foreign bodies, while S81.02 is for lacerations that involve a foreign body. Accurate documentation is essential to determine the correct code.